$8.8 MILLION RAISED OVERALL FROM OVER 250,000 DONORS
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Thursday, October 15, 2020
JOHN CUMMINGS RAISES $5.5 MILLION FROM 126,000 DONORS DURING 3RD QUARTER
PUBLIC ADVOCATE TO INTRODUCE WORST LANDLORD ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION
Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams will introduce legislation today as part of the Worst Landlord Accountability Act, to combat the practices of some of the worst landlords in New York City and support tenants in need of relief and repairs. Each year, the Public Advocate's office releases the Worst Landlord Watchlist, which spotlights the top 100 most egregiously negligent landlords in New York City as determined by widespread and repeated violations in buildings on the list. These bills, drafted in response to the current Watchlist, are aimed at correcting and preventing disingenuous tactics used by some of those landlords in order to attempt to remove themselves from the list.
"In putting together the Worst Landlord Watchlist, we found far too many instances of landlords failing to live up to their most basic responsibilities of being a steward for the housing of renters who call New York home," said the Public Advocate in introducing the Worst Landlord Accountability Act. "In case after case, violation after unchecked violation, bad actors demonstrated an inability or an unwillingness to live up to their end of the bargain - and it's past time to put in place meaningful reforms to not just call out these actions, but to put a stop to them. This legislation is about preventing landlords from evading accountability and protecting their tenants from conditions which are physically unsafe or otherwise insecure."
Within the current system, landlords are often able to self-certify their own repairs without city verification. Today the Public Advocate introduced legislation, Intro 2121, which would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to maintain a certification of correction list and prohibit any listed landlord from certifying correction of violations in multiple dwellings without an inspection. This would prevent landlords already identified as bad actors from falsely claiming repairs have been made.
The bill would also increase penalties for failure to correctly certify. A landlord who fails to file a statement of registration or an amendment of a statement of registration will have to pay a fine of anywhere between $500 and $1,000. Anyone willfully making a false certification of correction of a violation will have to pay between $500 and $2,500 for each violation falsely certified, as well as to any other penalties required. Additionally, penalties would increase for hazardous violation of housing standards based on severity.
The Public Advocate also introduced legislation which would mandate more urgent action to respond to housing violations deemed immediately hazardous. Intro 2122 would require the city's department of Housing Preservation and Development to communicate with a complainant reporting Class C violations within 12 hours, and perform an inspection, if warranted, within 24 hours. HPD would also have to communicate regarding Class B violations within 24 hours, and perform an inspection within 48 hours. No violation can be closed until it has been certified to be corrected to the satisfaction of HPD.
Addressing unsafe conditions quickly is essential to tenant safety and housing security. This new timeline would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of HPD, thereby reassuring tenant confidence. It would give landlords a shorter window within which to ignore repairs, thereby deterring negligence.
Following the release of the 2019 Worst Landlord Watchlist, his first since taking office, the Public Advocate vowed to pursue legislative and organizing based solutions to improve building conditions, strengthen tenants rights, and remove landlords from the list by correcting their actions.
"Tenants & Neighbors applauds New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams for putting forth this timely and pertinent piece of legislation. If the New York City Council passes the Worst Landlord Accountability Act, it will greatly improve housing conditions for thousands of New York City renters who are forced to live in substandard and often unhealthy apartments. The Worst Landlord Accountability Act, if enacted into law will be an additional tool in our organizing tool box, especially, at a time like this when New Yorkers are being encouraged to spend more time at home to reduce COVID-19 infections," said Yolande Cadore, Executive Director, New York State Tenants & Neighbors. "Forcing tenants to stay-at-home in poor living conditions should not be tolerated and this bill is a giant step in the right direction to protect tenants and keep every New York City resident safe and healthy. The time to hold "egregiously negligent" landlords accountable is long overdue."
Attorney General James Issues Political Activity Guidance for Non-Profits Ahead of the November Election
Provides Guidance for Non-profits on the Prohibitions and Permissions of Political Activity
Ahead of the November 3rd election, New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued guidance to remind New York non-profits of the political activities in which they may or may not engage in.
“We must ensure the integrity of the election in November, which means ensuring everyone is abiding by the rules on election activities,” said Attorney General James. “The nonpartisanship of non-profits ensures that these groups can operate transparently and with the trust of the public. My office remains committed to helping New York charities understand the laws regarding political activity and their responsibility to uphold them.”
Charitable organizations, including houses of worship that receive a tax exemption pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), are prohibited from participating in any political campaign on behalf of a candidate for public office. A violation of those provisions may result in the denial or revocation of tax-exempt status by the IRS; the loss of exemption from New York income, sales, and use taxes; and enforcement or regulatory actions by the New York Attorney General.
In the guidance, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) names the following actions as prohibited for 501(c)(3) organizations:
- Making or soliciting contributions for, on behalf of, or against any candidate for public office or to a political party. A candidate for public office includes any candidate in an election for a national, state, or local public office;
- Endorsing or opposing a particular candidate or political party;
- Making statements in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate or a political party, whether orally, recorded, or in writing, including by in-person distribution, mail, email, text, or posting on social media or the internet;
- Using the organization’s resources — including office space, telephones, internet account, printers, employee time — to engage in political campaign activity; and
- Providing funds from a 501(c)(3) organization to a 501(c)(4) organization which engages in political activity without controls to assure that the funds are used solely for 501(c)(3) exempt activities, and not for political campaign activity.
The following actions are permitted for 501(c)(3) organizations to engage in:
- Distribution or posting of non-partisan voter guides that may include links to other nonpartisan educational sites or that provide information to the public about the positions taken by elected officials or candidates in a wide range of issues, without taking a position on their positions;
- Voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives that encourage people to register and/or vote without reference to any political party or candidate;
- Hosting candidate forums or debates or inviting a candidate to an organization’s event. Such events may be permissible as long as:
- All candidates for the office are invited, even if some do not attend.
- All candidates are given an equal opportunity to speak.
- Multiple topics are covered, and the questions asked are formulated and presented in a nonpartisan manner.
- The candidates do not engage in any campaigning or fundraising.
The full political activity guidance can be found on the OAG website.
PUBLIC ADVOCATE TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES, ESSENTIAL WORKERS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams will introduce a legislative package today aimed at supporting small businesses in New York City struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as essential workers on the frontlines. The legislation comes as New York City has implemented new restrictions in hotspot areas seeing COVID-19 spikes and the city faces the potential of a second wave of the virus.
The first bill, Intro 2125, would require the city to create guidelines for a safe reopening of New York City businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while allowing those businesses to operate and recover amid the economic crisis. Those guidelines would be constructed around federal, state, and local laws around reopening, as well as best practices for public health. Council Members Fernando Cabrera, Carlina Rivera, and Costa Constantindes co-sponsor the legislation.
Clear directions are essential as businesses attempt to reopen while preventing further spread or spikes in the number of positive cases which could trigger renewed lockdowns and closure. This need was made even more urgent as hotspots in Brooklyn and Queens led to greater closures of and restrictions on businesses within these areas.
The second bill would require the Department of Small Business Services to report on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses. While it is broadly clear that there has been an extraordinarily devastating impact on small businesses in New York City over the last seven months, providing aid in a targeted and effective way requires specific information on the impact of the pandemic. Under this legislation, co-sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, the Department of Small Business would collect and report data on the amount of revenue lost from the virus, any jobs or positions eliminated, and permanent closures relative to business size, location, and type. Data would be collected via a broad survey effort.
"The current economic crisis is inextricable from the public health crisis, and we can only see meaningful economic recovery if the virus is significantly suppressed. As we have seen in recent weeks, safety is vital when considering any re-openings, and businesses need clear guidance on safety measures and standards." said Public Advocate Williams. "In order to provide the most good, we also need to direct specific aid to the those most in need - our small businesses, our essential workers - who are the backbone of our city"
New York City is home to about one million essential workers, many of whom have been treated as expendable and the majority of whom are women and people of more color. The Public Advocate introduced legislation today, co-sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, aimed at providing fair compensation and protections for these workers in this pandemic and in preparation for any future public health crisis. Under the bill, during a state of emergency or a public health emergency related to an outbreak of a communicable disease, any agency seeking an emergency procurement of a client services vendor is mandated to include a specification in its solicitation for the provision of hazard pay to the vendor's essential workers.
Public Advocate Williams also put forth a resolution with Council Member Justin Brannan calling on Congress to pass, and the President to sign, legislation creating the "Heroes Fund" to provide hazard pay to employees required to work on-site during COVID-19.
Upcoming Wave Hill Events: Virtual and Onsite!
The end of October is nearing and that means spooky season--enjoy it by learning about bats with bat conservationist and community scientist Danielle Gustafon. Then, join Family Art Project for Dias de Los Muertos on the conifer slope. (Shine only!) And as the foliage starts to change, we hope you can join us for our first fall foliage walk of the season. It's the perfect time to fall into Wave Hill! You can reserve your ticket here--advance registration is required.
Thursday, October 29, 6-7:30PM
Bats and Halloween go hand in hand. But do bats deserve their spooky reputation? Bat conservationist and community scientist Danielle Gustafson dispels the many myths about bats and sheds light on the diversity and value of these misunderstood creatures, both locally and worldwide. And if you enjoy mangoes, bananas or tequila, you have bats to thank!
Find out how climate change and habitat destruction is threatening bat populations and how you can help. Connect to Bat Week (October 24–31), an international annual celebration designed to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation, and read more about it here. Space
is limited. Registration required,
online or at 718,549,3200 x251, and closes at 6PM on Wednesday, October 28. Registrants will receive a follow-up email with a secure and private link to the event the day before. If you have any questions about this program or have registration questions,
please contact us at 718.549.3200 x251 or information@wavehill.org
Art Project: Dia de Los Muertos (Onsite)
Saturday, Sunday, October 31, November 1,10AM–1PM
Celebrate this special Mexican cultural holiday when the spirits of loved ones come home to visit. Learn the
traditional use of the four elements to adorn nicho boxes, small shadow boxes filled with meaning and purpose honoring a lost loved one. Decorate your box with objects and found natural materials, adding a photo of your dear one. Using branches and brush from
trees that have been felled during recent storms at Wave Hill, we will create an altar to honor the gifts these trees have given us during their lives. Shine only.
Election Day
TUE, NOVEMBER 3
Wave Hill is open on Election Day. We encourage you to vote, and then plan a stress-free visit to the gardens.
Admission to the grounds will be free all day.
Foliage Walk (Onsite)
Wednesday, November 4,
1–2PM
Enjoy colorful foliage and late-blooming flowers at their seasonal peak, set against the scenic backdrop of the
Hudson River and Palisades. Registration required,
online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Space is limited. Repeats
Saturday, November 7. If you have any questions about this program or have registration questions,
Thursday, November 5, 2-3PM
Sunroom Project Space artist Zac Skinner joins Curator of Visual Arts Eileen Jeng Lynch to talk about Skinner’s exhibition Ecocide Drifter. Skinner’s installation of paintings and sculptures explores ecological history, the Anthropocene and a dystopic future—consequences of land and water pollution, industry, capitalism, and other threats that have caused the displacement of vulnerable individuals and entire ecosystems. As an artist, geo-engineer, and backyard tinkerer, Skinner creates an immersive installation of invented makeshift structures, such as a nomadic hut, that resembles a temporary refugee camp in a post-industrial landscape due to climate change.
This program will be streamed live on Facebook and on this page.
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.
HOURS: Special restricted hours as New York City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic: 10AM–5:30PM, Wednesdays–Sunday.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat - Now Accepting Applications to U.S. Military Service Academies
Representative Adriano Espaillat announced open applications for incoming district high school seniors to attend the U.S. Service Academies.
“I encourage all eligible high school seniors in my district to submit applications to be considered for placement to attend any of the U.S. Service Academies to have an opportunity to serve our country,” said Rep. Espaillat.
Members of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To request a Military Academy Nomination, please complete the form at https://espaillat.house.gov/
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, October 30, 2020.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Gene De Francis Travels the 80th Assembly District Talking to the People of the 80th A.D. in his Quest to Win the Assembly Seat
Last week after picking up support from a major West Bronx Democratic Club (The Northwest Bronx Democrats) Gene De Francis has kicked his campaign into high gear criss-crossing the 80th Assembly District, while his opponent concentrates on her campaign for Bronx Borough President next year.
Assembly candidate Gene De Francis is visiting every part of the 80th Assembly District which is split by the Bronx River Parkway. He is visiting schools, housing developments, parks, stores, and almost everywhere a candidate can garner votes from.
We caught up with assembly candidate Gene De Francis last week at Loreto Park, and Wednesday this week at the Pelham Parkway Houses. Residents were well receptive to candidate Gene De Francis talking about the many problems of the Pelham Parkway housing complex. Be it leaks, cracked floors, no heat in the winter, no hot water, vermin infestations, odors in various parts of buildings or just plain the lack of maintenance. Tenant after tenant had a story to tell candidate Gene De Francis.
Above - 80th A.D. candidate Gene De Francis talks with a woman who wanted to be known as BX Bklyn girl 102762, about the problems in her building and the complex as a whole.
Below - 80th A.D. candidate Gene De Francis talks to another woman at the Pelham Parkway Houses who did not want to be in the photo.
At Loreto Park 80th A.D. candidate Gene De Francis talks to this woman who is obviously an essential worker.
RECOVERY AGENDA: NEW YORK CITY RELEASES WINTER OUTDOOR DINING GUIDANCE
Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) today to release thorough guidance for city restaurants planning to stay open and serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter. The announcement furthers New York City’s efforts, laid out in the Mayor’s recovery agenda, to become the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living.
In September, Mayor de Blasio announced the City’s popular Open Restaurants program will be extended year-round and made permanent. The program, which has enrolled more than 10,500 establishments since its inception in June, has allowed New Yorkers to enjoy meals in safe, healthy outdoor environments. All restaurants must abide by state restrictions on operating in COVID hotspots. Business owners should consult www.NYC.Gov/CovidZone for more information.
“These guidelines are designed to keep diners, employees, and pedestrians safe and healthy – and we look forward to giving New Yorkers more chances than ever to enjoy the outdoors year-round,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Restaurants make New York City the greatest city in the world, and we’re proud to support their continued recovery from this crisis.”
Participants in the Open Restaurants program interested in providing comfort heating for their customers in outdoor dining areas have three options:
- Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. For full guidance from the Department of Buildings, click here.
- Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only. For full guidance from the Department of Buildings, click here. Natural gas radiant heaters must also comply with the Fire Code.
- Portable heaters fueled by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by the Fire Department, with requirements for safe handling, use and storage. For full guidance from the Fire Department, click here.
Food service establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from FDNY and/or DOB.
Each agency has focused on streamlining the permitting processes to make installing these outdoor heating options as easy as possible for businesses, while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
“The Department will work closely with our fellow agencies to ensure that outdoor dining can continue to operate safely for business owners, employees, and customers,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.
"New Yorkers are resilient and adaptable, and city government should be as well," said Department of Buildings Commissioner Melanie La Rocca. "Streamlining the outdoor heating requirements will help our friends and neighbors weather this crisis. We are offering clear guidance to restaurant owners so they know what they need to do to safely keep outdoor dining open now that summer has come to a close."
“Just as evenings grow more brisk, we are happy to provide restaurants with the proper guidance on outdoor heating to keep their customers warm,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We thank our colleagues at FDNY and the Buildings Department, who are assuring that above all, Open Restaurants continue to operate safely during the colder months. We ask that the thousands of participating restaurants carefully comply with the new rules.”
The pandemic has reinforced the direct connection between public health, our economy, and social justice. As we look towards the future, a healthy recovery must include reimagining how the City uses its open spaces. In the 19th century, following the outbreak of Cholera, the City began a period of open space creation that brought us Central Park and other beloved open spaces. COVID-19 has again caused us to prioritize open space in order to promote New Yorkers’ health and economic wellbeing.